Former welder picks up degree

A former welder from Shrewsbury who left school aged 15 with no qualifications has been awarded an Open University (OU) degree.

Fred Bradley, 61, was made a bachelor of science at a graduation ceremony held at the International Convention Centre in Birmingham on Saturday.

Mr Bradley, who is married with an adult son, retired from his job at William A Lewis Engineering in Harlescott earlier this year.

He said his academic achievements have changed the way he looks at the world.

10,000 graduates

"I used to get up early and watch a bit of TV before work - I ended up getting hooked on the OU programmes about earth and science subjects and I realised it was something I'd really like to try.

"And here I am with a degree.

"For me this is a remarkable achievement which has given me a real confidence boost.

"Studying science has taught me to see life differently - I'm much more aware of what goes on in the world around us."

Nearly 10,000 OU students throughout the UK and abroad have qualified for bachelor and postgraduate degrees this year.

Tom Bonner, a spokesman for OU's West Midlands Regional Centre said: "One of the principal reasons for OU's success is the way we are geared up to help people from all walks of life to study, including those like Fred, who may not have studied for many years.

"We offer a great deal of flexibility and support in order that students can achieve their goals in a way which suits them."